Timberwolves get a break as doctors rule out surgery for Love

The injury-hit Minnesota Timberwolves were given a welcome boost on Thursday when doctors said forward Kevin Love would not need surgery to repair a broken right hand.

The two-time All-Star broke two fingers in his shooting hand while working out on Wednesday and consulted a hand specialist in New York the following day.

“The evaluation revealed that surgery will not be required on his hand and confirmed that his expected return will be in 6-8 weeks,” the Timberwolves said in a statement.

Love, who won Olympic gold in London with the United States basketball team earlier this year, said he suffered the injury while doing knuckle pushups at his home.

“Although I'm disappointed that this injury happened, I will work extremely hard to stay in shape and return to the court as quickly as possible,” the 24-year-old added.

“We have added a lot of depth to our roster this season, and I have complete confidence in my team mates and coaching staff that they will step up and we will be successful during this time.”

Minnesota, who are already missing point guard Ricky Rubio until at least mid-December because of a torn ACL in his left knee, are scheduled to play their first game of the regular season at home against the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 2.

Love has established himself as one of the best power forwards in the National Basketball Association and averaged a team-high 26 points and 13.3 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season.